By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Monday, October 26 Rick Barber, a 2010 Republican candidate for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, endorsed challenger Becky Gerritson in the 2016 Republican Primary.
Barber called Gerritson “an inspiration” to himself and to conservatives. Barber said, “In 2010, I rallied beside Martha Roby and asked those of you that supported me to help in ensuring Bobby Bright’s defeat. However, since being elected we have seen everything but Conservatism from Martha. Almost six years later, her voting record is more liberal than her Democratic predecessor as she has consistently sided with the GOP leadership who have accomplished nothing but allowing Obama’s agenda to continue.”
Barber continued, “This election cycle, however, you have another and better option than Martha Roby. You have a true principled conservative with a track record of defending the Constitution, standing up to the IRS and traveling the country fighting for freedom. She was the inspiration to my campaign in 2010 and continues to be an inspiration today; which is why I am proud to announce my full support and endorsement of Becky Gerritson as your next U.S. Congressional Representative.”
Rick Barber had high praise for Gerritson, “She will not remain silent, waiver, hide behind show votes or align with the career politicians. Becky is the model of the leadership we need in Washington and her record of performance and accomplishment over the last six years clearly shows it.”
Barber said, “Winning will not be easy,” he said, citing Roby’s powerful Washington connections and backing from establishment sources afraid of “a principled conservative like Becky holding them accountable.”
Alabama’s Second Congressional District is currently represented by former Montgomery City Councilwoman Martha Roby (R). Roby won the office in the landmark 2010 was election, defeating Congressman Bobby Bright (D from Montgomery) in the general election after defeating Rick Barber in the GOP Primary. The Republican Party had lost the long GOP held seat in the 2008 election, after 16 year incumbent, Terry Everett (R from Dothan) retired.
The American Conservative Union ranked Everett as the most conservative member of the Alabama Congressional Delegation. Bright was the most conservative Democrat the Congress during his one term. Congresswoman Roby has angered some grassroots conservatives by tending to be rated as one of the more moderate of the Republican members of the Alabama Congressional Delegation.
Gerritson is the co-founder and president of the Wetumpka Tea Party and testified before Congress on the IRS’s alleged illegal targeting of the group as well as other conservative groups and tea parties across the country.
Gerritson is appealing to conservative GOP Primary voters, including those that backed Barber in 2010, in an attempt to unseat the three term incumbent (Roby).
President Barack H. Obama’s (D) Department of Justice has declined to charge Lois Lerner or anyone else in the IRS targeting scandal, despite the destruction of evidence that had been subpoenaed by congressional investigators.
The 2016 Republican Primary will be on March 1, 2016.
